Is Your Car A Target for Thieves?

Comprehensive auto insurance will cover theft, but there are many things you can do to keep your car from being stolen.

Don’t leave valuables out in plain sight.

The purse or wallet on the seat, the cell phone or GPS on the dashboard. . .this sounds like a no-brainer, but sometimes when you’re in a hurry, you may carelessly leave something valuable in full view of thieves. Don’t do it! Hide electronics in the glove compartment or other storage compartments. If you must leave something valuable on the floor, throw a jacket or some other cover over it.

Try to park in safe areas.

A good rule of thumb is to always park in well-lit, public places, especially at night. If at all possible, avoid leaving your car for long periods of time in places with high-crime rates. Since this may not always be possible, consider some more of the following tips, like parking in garages rather than leaving your car out on the street.

Get the club.

If you’re looking for a strong deterrent, a metal bar locking the steering wheel works wonders. Of course it can’t completely erase the possibility of theft, but remember, thieves choose cars that seem easy to break into. The more deterrents they see, the less likely it is they’ll choose your car. They don’t want the extra hassle.

Lock your doors and windows!

It’s so easy to be forgetful, especially if you’re running late. But always take the time to remember to lock your doors. In summer, don’t crack the windows. It’s better to be uncomfortable for a minute than to have your car stolen.

Choose a car with a manual shift.

More Americans don’t know how to drive a stick shift. That’s why automatic cars are more appealing to would-be thieves.

Get an alarm sticker.

It works the same way it would in the window or on the doors of your house. Whether or not your car is really protected by a particular alarm company, many thieves wouldn’t want to take the chance.

Never leave your car running.

This seems obvious, but you’d be amazed at how many people will run into a place while their car is on. It’s actually illegal in many states, too. No matter how quick your errand, don’t do it!

Always know where your keys are.

Don’t leave spare keys in obvious places. If you loaned a spare key to someone who no longer uses it, be sure to get it back.

Last but not least. . .

Install a GPS tracking system.

When a car is stolen, the system will send out a signal to the police, telling them where the car is. This way, they’ll be able to find it faster.

Keep checking our blog for more tips and information about car, home and other types of insurance—and how to keep your car and home safe.

At Zawada Insurance Agency, we’ll help you shop around to find the best deals on every kind of insurance—including bundling, if it helps you to save more.